Mediterranean Diet Promotes Cardiac and Cognitive Health

Researchers find that a Mediterranean diet can slow down heart failure (HF) and lower cognitive decline and dementia risk.

Over 6.5 million adults in the US experience heart failure. It is associated with a high risk of cognitive decline and dementia, and other detrimental effects on organs.

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‘A diet that promotes the maintenance of neurocognitive health also mitigates cardiac remodeling.’
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Cardiac remodeling (changes in cardiac structure and function), which occurs before heart failure, is also associated with poor cognitive function and cerebral health.

Plant-based diets, like the Mediterranean diet (MIND) and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, are recommended to prevent heart failure.

Before this study, it was unclear if diets that emphasize certain foods promote neurocognitive and cardiac health by mitigating cardiac remodeling.

Diet from Crete for Healthy Heart
Mediterranean diets, special attention has been given to the traditional Greek Cretan diet. It emphasises the consumption of olive oil, whole grains, pulses, wild greens, herbs and fruits.

MIND emphasizes the consumption of green leafy vegetables and berries and reducing the intake of foods high in saturated fat and animal products at the same time.

The research team analyzed the dietary and echocardiographic data of 2,512 participants. They then compared their MIND diet score to measures of cardiac structure and function.

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MIND diet is a healthy meal plan which is designed to lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease, improve cognition and to sharpen memory.

Findings showed that the Mediterranean diet was beneficial for the left ventricular function of the heart responsible for pumping oxygenated blood throughout the body.

Researchers also found that a diet that promotes the maintenance of neurocognitive health also mitigates cardiac remodeling.

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Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart fails to work adequately as a pump that can deliver oxygen rich blood to the body.

Prior research has also highlighted the importance of diet as a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia, the researchers state.

Vanessa, Xanthakis, corresponding author, says, "Our findings highlight the importance of adherence to the MIND diet for a better cardiovascular health and further reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in the community."

Xanthakis recommends that people adhere to healthy diets to decrease the risk of disease and achieve a better quality of life, even though it may not always be easy or fit with busy schedules.

Source-Medindia